Leveraging Automation and PAT in the Next Normal
Strategies to Increase Information and Improve Productivity
Program Overview
- The development, demonstration, and the deployment of novel tools designed to increase the information density of the experiments we conduct
- The efficiency of the chemists and engineers who conduct data-rich experimentation (DRE)
- How enabling technologies were leveraged to continue research efforts during the pandemic
Employing Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE)
Since its inception in 2014, Merck's Process Development Intensification Laboratory (iLab) within Small Molecule Process Research & Development has been focused on the development of tools and techniques to enable acquisition of deeper, more fundamental process understanding in a resource sparing manner. This is centered around the concept of data intensification, specifically, around enabling more efficient data capture, data reduction and data analysis. We have grown to call these activities Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE) and investments have spawned a broader strategic initiative, across large and small molecule Process R&D, called "the DRE Initiative".
Increasing Data Density While Improving Productivity – Even When Scientists Aren't Present in the Lab
This presentation highlights the installation of novel, enabling technologies, such as process modeling, bench-top automation, medium and high-throughput experimentation, process analytical technologies (PAT) and statistically designed experimentation.
About the Presenter
Shane Grosser, Ph.D.
Merck & Co, Inc.
Shane Grosser completed his undergrad in Chemical Engineering from University of Rochester and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Shane's PhD was focused on DNA sequencing technologies working for Jim Schneider. Since 2007, Shane has worked at Merck in Rahway NJ, mostly in Chemical Engineering Research and Development and more recently in Small Molecule Process Research and Development Enabling Technologies. In addition to roles supporting Merck’s late stage development pipeline, he led the Process Development Intensification Lab within Chemical Engineering Research and Development for 6 years. He focused on development of high-data-density tools and methodologies to streamline acquisition of deep process understanding. Additionally, Shane has spent the better part of his career supporting Merck’s biocatalysis efforts as a subject matter expert in process engineering of biocatalytic processes with particular expertise in enzyme immobilization, protein removal and aerobic biocatalytic oxidations. Recently, Shane was named the head of a newly-formed group focused on Data-Rich Experimentation, which expands the capabilities of the Process Development Intensification Lab to include High-Throughput Experimentation/Automation supporting the broader Process Research and Development space.
